Watch Samantha Kerr play for the Western New York Flash and remember this: She has played soccer for only eight years. Conversely, teammate Abby Wambach has played for about 28.

"Let's not forget she's only 20 years old. What's that in America, a sophomore in college?" Flash coach Aaran Lines says of the forward from Australia. "With her attributes — her speed, athleticism and instincts — if she continues to develop at the rate she is, Sam can become one of the best strikers in the world."

With Wambach sidelined, Kerr has become a focal point of the Flash's attack with midfielder Carli Lloyd. Kerr's six goals are tied for the Western New York (7-8-2) team lead with Lloyd and her three assists are second to NWSL leader and teammate, Vicky Losada (six).

"There are times when I think that I'm still a kid and I want to do normal things kids my age do, but I also know this is what I want," says Kerr, who in just 13 games has matched her goal total from her rookie season last year and has one more assist. "I want to be one of those (great) players, no matter what my age is."

One of the world's greatest, Wambach,, is expected to announce her comeback plans at a news conference before Saturday's 7 p.m. home match against the Washington Spirit (7-7-2, 23 points). The 34-year-old U.S. national team star and Pittsford native has been out since May 31 with a strained knee ligament.

It's a battle of third-place teams in the National Women's Soccer League. Kerr, who won't turn 21 until Sept. 10, grew up playing Australian rules football. Her father, Roger, and older brother, Daniel, played it. She switched to soccer at the age of 12.

"(My family used to) kind of laugh at soccer," says Kerr, the youngest of Roger and Roxanne's four children. "It wasn't as rough (as Australian football), but it actually got too rough for me. The boys roughed me up."

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Western New York Flash forward Samantha Kerr has six goals, tying her for the team lead.(Photo: CARLOS ORTIZ, FILE PHOTO 2013)

Her soccer ascent was swift. Just five years after taking it up, she played in the World Cup. She'd made her debut for the Aussies in 2009 as a 15-year-old.

"I was a kid going with the flow. As much as everyone was telling me to take in the whole experience, I didn't appreciate it," Kerr says. "I was just happy to be in another country with my teammates. To go to this (2015) World Cup for me will be massive. I really understand what's at stake."

Two of her Aussie teammates, goalie Lydia Williams and defender Teigen Allen, are first-year Flash players. Kerr knows she has plenty to learn. She thinks more consistency will come with maturity, but Lines already thinks she plays beyond her birth certificate.

"She was just raw talent when we signed her," Lines says. "If she continues to develop her ability in the final third she could be world class."